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In many sectors of Mexican industry, rain does not stop operations. At most, it stops productivity when the protective equipment is not up to the task. A soaked worker loses performance, faces thermal risks, reduces their visibility, and in certain environments, confronts hazards that go far beyond arriving home wet. According to the National Meteorological Service, Mexico’s rainy season formally begins in May and extends through November. Jalisco, along with Michoacán, Colima, Guerrero, and other states in the western and Pacific regions, sees rainfall from late May onward, with peak intensity in July, August, and September. For companies with personnel in the field, on construction sites, or in logistics, that represents nearly six months of continuous exposure to wet conditions. Choosing the right rainwear is not a minor decision: it is part of the PPE program. Rainwear Is Also PPE A common mistake in companies is treating rainwear as a comfort item rather than protective equipment. NOM-017-STPS-2024 establishes that PPE must be selected based on the specific risks of each job position. When that position involves exposure to rain, humidity, or outdoor work, rainwear becomes part of the risk analysis and must meet the same requirements as any other equipment: correct sizing, certification, documented service life, and recorded replacement. Choosing the wrong type of rainwear can be just as problematic as having none at all. The Main Types and When to Use Each Poncho or Cape This is the lightest and most portable option. Its design covers the torso and arms without requiring separate pants, making it practical for short trips or intermittent rain exposure. At LICA, we offer the PIL and PIL BLACK models — cape-style rainwear with a hood and side snaps, made from 80% PVC and 20% polyester, available in one size. For those who need an even lighter and more transportable option, the PIL LIGERO model is a 100% PVC poncho with an adjustable hood that comes with a portable carry bag, ideal for personnel who need to keep it on hand as a backup. Suitable for: logistics personnel, site supervisors, machinery operators, and workers who frequently move between covered and open areas. Jacket and Pants Set This is the most complete protection for prolonged rain exposure. It covers the entire body and allows greater freedom of movement than a poncho. The JSPIL model from LICA is a yellow set featuring a hooded jacket with zipper and plastic buttons, and pants with an elastic waistband and double-reinforced crotch; available in sizes M, L, XL, and XXL. For low-visibility environments — construction sites, roadways, night logistics — the JSPHV-L model incorporates high-visibility reflective tape, a critical safety element that a basic poncho does not offer. Those who need a navy blue option can choose the JSPIL BLUE, which shares the same technical specifications. Suitable for: workers in construction, civil works, infrastructure maintenance, field operations, and any position with continuous exposure to rain. Industrial Raincoat This style provides coverage from the shoulders to below the knee in a single garment, combining broad protection with ease of use. The GIL model from LICA is a high-frequency sealed raincoat with anticorrosion plastic buttons and high-visibility reflective tape, made from 80% PVC and 20% polyester. It is also available as the GIL-NARANJA for environments where safety orange is an operational requirement. For situations where the uniform beneath must remain visible without sacrificing protection, the GIL TRANSPARENT-L model — made from 100% translucent PVC with a long sleeve, hood, and side pockets — allows the work clothing underneath to show through without compromising waterproofing. Suitable for: security personnel, supervisors, workers in vehicle traffic zones, and outdoor plant operators. What to Review Beyond the Type The material is the first criterion, but not the only one. Before selecting rainwear to equip personnel, it is worth reviewing the following: Seams and sealing. Rainwear that leaks through its seams stops doing its job. Industrial-grade models use high-frequency sealing, which bonds the material without needle perforations, eliminating the most common leak points. Reflective tape. In environments with vehicle traffic, heavy machinery, or reduced visibility, reflective strips are not a decorative feature. They are an active safety element that can prevent a collision or a run-over. NOM-017-STPS-2024 is explicit that PPE must address the actual risks of each position — and if that risk includes low visibility, rainwear must account for it. Sizing and fit. Rainwear that is too loose can catch on machinery or restrict movement. A too-tight fit limits mobility and causes fatigue. The standard is clear: PPE must be the right size so that it does not create risks of its own. Compatibility with other PPE. In many positions, rainwear is worn alongside a hard hat, harness, or vest. It is important to verify that the rainwear design does not interfere with these items or compromise their function. At LICA, we offer a complete line of industrial rainwear designed for the different exposure profiles of Mexican industry — from portable ponchos to high-visibility raincoats. All available for companies and distributors throughout the country, with the assurance that each model was designed for a real risk, not just to hang in a locker. Need guidance on selecting the right rainwear for your company or expanding your catalog as a distributor? Contact us. Sources: National Meteorological Service (SMN) — 2025 Rainy Season in Mexico Milenio / El Universal — Dates and most affected states, 2025 rainy season Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) — NOM-017-STPS-2024, Personal Protective Equipment

Every April 28, the world pauses (if only for a moment) to talk about something that should be non-negotiable every day of the year: workers’ right to return home safe and healthy. World Day for Safety and Health at Work, promoted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003, is not just a commemorative event. It is a global wake-up call about the scale of a problem that many companies, unfortunately, continue to underestimate. The Numbers Don’t Lie According to ILO data, more than 374 million workers worldwide suffer non-fatal occupational accidents each year. And the highest cost is not economic: nearly 3 million people lose their lives annually due to work-related accidents and diseases. That equals more than 8,000 deaths every single day. In Mexico, the situation is also concerning. By the end of the third quarter of 2024, the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) reported 327,230 occupational risks, of which 225,056 were workplace accidents. During that same period, 796 workers lost their lives—a 10% increase compared to the previous year. Behind every statistic, there is a person. A family. A story that could have been prevented. What Is the ILO Commemorating This Year? For 2025, the ILO selected the theme:“Revolutionizing health and safety: the role of AI and digitalization at work.” The message is clear: workplace safety is evolving. New technologies from artificial intelligence to real-time monitoring systems are transforming how companies identify risks and protect their workforce. However, technology is a complement, not a replacement. As long as workers are exposed to physical risks, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) remains the first and most tangible line of defense. That is precisely what we focus on at LICA: PPE designed for the real conditions of the Mexican work environment. Because no algorithm can replace a properly selected glove, a certified helmet, or safety footwear that protects where it matters most. What the Law Requires: A Renewed Standard In Mexico, PPE use is not optional. The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) published NOM-017-STPS-2024 in March 2025, which came into force in September of the same year, replacing the 2008 version that had been in effect for 16 years. This new standard not only updates technical requirements, it represents a shift in philosophy: from a reactive approach to a truly preventive one. At LICA, we have embraced this approach from the beginning. Our entire product catalog is developed based on real industry risks and complies with required certifications, ensuring that both companies and distributors can trust the protection they provide to workers. Key Employer Obligations Include: Identifying and analyzing specific risks for each job position Selecting and providing the appropriate PPE for each risk at no cost to the worker Training personnel on proper use, maintenance, and service life of the equipment Supervising consistent PPE use in risk areas Keeping records of inspection, replacement, and final disposal Failure to comply can result in fines of up to 5,000 UMAs (over $500,000 MXN in 2025), partial or total shutdowns, and even criminal liability in the event of an accident. Safety Is Not an Expense. It’s an Investment One of the most costly misconceptions in industry is treating safety as an expense category. Workplace accidents directly impact the occupational risk insurance premium before IMSS: the higher the accident rate, the higher the cost per employee. Add to that the cost of medical leave, productivity loss, legal processes, and reputational damage. Prevention will always be more cost-effective than correction. Building a real safety culture goes beyond regulatory compliance. It means leadership sets the example, workers understand the “why” behind the equipment they use, and companies commit to providing high-quality, certified, and risk-appropriate tools. The Right PPE Makes the Difference Not all protective equipment is the same—and choosing the right one requires understanding the specific risks each worker faces. At LICA, we have over 40 years of experience manufacturing and distributing personal protective equipment for Mexican industry. Our catalog covers protection from head to toe: safety footwear, helmets, gloves, harnesses, eyewear, respiratory protection, industrial uniforms, signage, and more. All our products meet the required certifications, because we understand that PPE without regulatory backing is not protection—it is just appearance. This April 28, the invitation is to go beyond the date:review your processes, update your equipment, train your team, and embrace safety for what it has always been—a shared responsibility and a reflection of how much a company values the people who make it possible. Has your company updated its PPE program in line with NOM-017-STPS-2024? Contact us, we’ll be happy to advise you. Sources International Labour Organization (ILO) — World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025ILO — Report on Occupational Accidents and Diseases, 2023IMSS — Occupational Risk Statistics, Third Quarter 2024La Jornada de Oriente — Labor Mortality Statistics by State, 2024Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) — NOM-017-STPS-2024, published March 28, 2025